860-291096 - Tail of Blue whale diving (Balaenoptera musculus) Reaching a maximum confirmed length of 30 meters and weighing up to 200 tons, it is the largest animal known to have ever existed. Azores, Portugal, Atlantic Ocean.

1112-6948 - An adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, United States of America, North America

1112-6937 - An adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) surfacing for a breath in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, United States of America, North America

1112-6938 - An adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, United States of America, North America

1112-6939 - An adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) flukes-up dive in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, United States of America, North America

1112-6890 - A pair of adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, United States of America, North America

1112-6410 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-6407 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-6413 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-6408 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-6411 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-6409 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-6412 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding on krill near Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, Polar Regions

860-290418 - Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the largest baleen whale found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the world?s second largest cetacean, after the blue whale. Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, Mediterranean Sea

860-289976 - Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) is a baleen whale, more specifically a rorqual belonging to the same group as blue whales and humpback whales. Mirissa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean

860-289977 - Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) is a baleen whale, more specifically a rorqual belonging to the same group as blue whales and humpback whales. Mirissa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean

860-289980 - Tail of Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) is the largest animal ever known to have existed. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus. Mirissa, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean Photo taken under permit

860-289978 - Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) is a baleen whale, more specifically a rorqual belonging to the same group as blue whales and humpback whales. Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean

860-290420 - Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the largest baleen whale found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the world?s second largest cetacean, after the blue whale. Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, Mediterranean Sea

860-290419 - Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the largest baleen whale found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the world?s second largest cetacean, after the blue whale. Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, Mediterranean Sea

860-290421 - Snorkeler and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the largest baleen whale found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the world?s second largest cetacean, after the blue whale. Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, Mediterranean Sea

860-289979 - Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) is a baleen whale, more specifically a rorqual belonging to the same group as blue whales and humpback whales. Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean

1112-5954 - A pair of adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), surfacing off Point Wild, Elephant Island, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-5610 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing in Loreto Bay National Park, Baja California Sur, Mexico, North America

1112-5159 - Adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) feeding in Right Whale Bay, South Georgia, Polar Regions

1112-4784 - An adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), flukes-up dive off the small town of Mirissa in southern Sri Lanka, Asia

1112-4783 - An adult blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), surfacing off the Kalpitiya Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Asia

1112-4691 - An adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), surfacing in the Drake Passage, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-4692 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), surfacing near Point Wild, Elephant Island, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-4690 - An adult Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), surfacing amongst brash ice in Cierva Cove, Antarctica, Polar Regions

860-288167 - Omura's whale (Balaenoptera omurai) portrait, Nosy Be, Madagascarlast identified species of fin whale

971-177 - Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) surfacing, showing the remains of a blow and its mottled appearance, South Georgia, Polar Regions

860-286684 - Blue whale Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda is the largest animal ever known to have existed. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus. Mirissa, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean

1112-3751 - Adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), sub-surface feeding off the western coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago, Arctic, Norway, Europe

917-610 - Fin Whale, Balaenoptera physalus, surfacing, near Pico, Azores, Atlantic Ocean

917-616 - Fin Whale, Balaenoptera physalus, surfacing at speed, blowing, showing jaw line, mouth, blowhole, Pico, Azores, Atlantic Ocean

1112-2841 - A curious Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), approaches the Zodiac in Neko Harbor, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-2840 - A curious Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in Neko Harbor, Antarctica, Polar Regions

1112-2827 - A curious Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) approaches the Zodiac in Neko Harbor, Antarctica, Polar Regions

911-10813 - Minke Whales(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) feeding in the Gerlache Strait separating the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsular off Anvers Island. The Antartic Peninsular is one of the fastest warming areas of the planet.

1112-2614 - A single adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) surfacing in deep water off Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Atlantic, Europe

1112-2516 - Possible cow and calf fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing near Hornsund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Arctic, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-2517 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing near Hornsund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Arctic, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-2518 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing near Hornsund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Arctic, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-2585 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing off the bow of the National Geographic Explorer, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Arctic, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-2226 - Curious adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), underwater near Ribbon 10 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2238 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), underwater with snorkeler near Ribbon 10 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2221 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), near the south end of Ribbon 9 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2224 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) underwater near Ribbon 10 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2220 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), near the south end of Ribbon 9 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2223 - Adult female dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) underwater near Ribbon 10 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2237 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) with snorkelers near Ribbon 10 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2222 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) near the south end of Ribbon 9 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2236 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), with snorkeler, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

1112-2225 - Adult dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), underwater near Ribbon 10 Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, Pacific

971-60 - Lunge-feeding fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) showing distended throat grooves, Northeast Atlantic, off Morocco, North Africa, Africa

1167-56 - Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) skull, the Neck, Saunders Island, Falkland Islands, South America

1112-1202 - Adult fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing off the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-1203 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing off the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-1199 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing near Gosbergkilen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-1201 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing near Gosbergkilen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-1198 - Adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) along the continental shelf on the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-1200 - Adult fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) surfacing near Gosbergkilen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway, Scandinavia, Europe

1112-1086 - An adult Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) surfacing in the Gerlache Strait, Antarctica, Southern Ocean, Polar Regions

1112-1049 - Antarctic Minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), Booth Island, Antarctica, Southern Ocean, Polar Regions

1112-1050 - Antarctic Minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), Booth Island, Antarctica, Southern Ocean, Polar Regions

990-181 - A group of Finback whales (Balaenoptera physalus) surfaces right beside two whale watching boats. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-166 - Late phase of an oblique lunge. The Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) falls back into the water while its throat is still expanded and water is pushed out under high pressure. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-178 - Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) exhaling a cloud of tiny water droplets into the air. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-155 - Close up of the blowholes of a Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) that lie just posterior of the distinctive ridge stretching over the rostrum. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-148 - Amazing closeup of a lunging Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) feeding on krill. Some of these small euphausiids are still hanging on to the expanded grooves. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-146 - She canÃt be more trusting than that. A curious Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) has turned upside down exposing her white belly, navel and genital slits to the photographer. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-167 - A perfect oblique lunge of a Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) surface feeding in the early evening. Its Grooves are expanded and water is purged out, two main characteristics of a feeding strike. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-139 - The Indian summer colours the tree line along the coast indicating the oncoming winter. A sign that Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) should start their migration south to unknown waters. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-179 - The blueish colouration pattern of Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) is used for photo-identification. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-161 - Steering with its pectoral fins the friendly Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) turns its streamlined body towards the boat in order to dive under the hull. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada. Sequence 5/6

990-180 - She canít be more trusting than that. A curious Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) has turned upside down exposing her white belly, navel and genital slits to the photographer. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-164 - Closeup of a the mouth tip of a lunging Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). To extract the engulfed fish the whale purges water through a slight opening between its lips. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-177 - Closeup of the expanded grooves of a giant Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) during a lateral lunge, a feeding strike occasionally seen in the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada.

990-168 - A dense net of blood vessels colour the belly of Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) named Picasso pink during high feeding activity. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-159 - The white flipper band of a Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is visible through the greenish water. This distinctive feature is characteristic of Minke whales of the northern hemisphere and the most obvious difference to their relatives in the Antarctic. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-170 - The distinctive colouration pattern of a Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Note that the typical white flipper band extends on to the lower side of the pectoral fin. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada (RR)

990-173 - Tall dorsal fin of a Finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus) which is located far back along the dorsal ridge. This prominent feature is often used for identification. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-160 - Approaching the boat from behind, this Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) heaves its head out of the water. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada. Sequence 2/3.

990-153 - Although largely solitary animals, certain individual Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) of the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada, have started to form pairs in recent years. Reasons for this are not yet well understood.

990-162 - A friendly Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) has rolled onto its right side to take a better look at the excited people on the boat. Note that the left eye is open. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-150 - ItÃŒs all about being fast and agile when hunting small schooling capelin, the main prey of Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-145 - Very slowly, a curious Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) surfaces spreading its pectoral fins perpendicular to its body. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-147 - The purging water almost reaches the photographers camera. Closeup of an oblique lunge of a surface feeding Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-142 - Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) swimming into a path of light created on the watervs surface by the setting sun. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada. Sequence 1/2.

990-171 - Tiny water droplets catch the last light of the setting sun as this Finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus) exhales blasting the air compressed in its huge lungs high into the air. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-144 - Surfacing sequence of a Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) which is following the research vessel. Such friendly whales are most often curious juveniles which love to take a break from their main activity, feeding. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada Sequence 3/6.

990-156 - What is more beautiful? The harmonically formed tip of the Minke whaleÃŒs (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) snout or the water bubble along its lips? St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-140 - Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) surfacing in the green coloured water. Although exposed, she still has both blowholes tightly closed. Note the pronounced ridge on the rostrum, a main feature of rorqual whales. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada Sequence 1/2.

990-163 - She canÃŒt be more trusting than that. A curious Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) has turned upside down exposing her white belly, navel and genital slits to the photographer. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-141 - A beautiful and powerful cloud formation above the surfacing Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-165 - Oblique lunge of a Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) named Crowsfoot who has performed all feeding manoeuvre types known from the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-152 - Two Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) surfacing as a pair. Whales migrating to the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada, have to share their summer feeding ground with numerous freighters along the international seaway which connects Quebec City with the Atlantic ocean.

990-172 - Finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus) arching its back in order to dive showing its tall dorsal fin and patches of green algae that cover its back. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

990-143 - Friendly Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) surfacing laterally and curiously approaching the research vessel. St. Lawrence estuary, Canada